Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Assassins John (Brad Pitt) and Jane (Angelina Jolie) Smith’s stale marriage receives an exciting twist when they are assigned to kill each other in an interesting cross between The War of the Roses and True Lies.

The film opens with the couple telling a marriage counsellor about their dysfunctional marriage with a scene recounting their improbable romantic meeting. We then see the supposed systems analyst and construction manager in action in their work as assassins before they are both sent after the same target, The OC’s Adam Brody. When they prevent each other from taking out their mark they are told by their respective agencies to leave no witnesses…

Although this could have deteriorated into Pitt and Jolie shooting at each other ad nauseam for the following one-and-a-half hours, it actually far exceeded expectations. Director Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity) weaves together a couple of interesting twists and hilarious black humour with the constant action, making the movie’s two hours fly by. It's fast-paced throughout but not to the point of confusion.

The matrimonial home is given a makeover with the help of all manner of firearms as the pair redefine domestic violence, and the vocal sparring is just as acerbic as the physical.

The two leads are perfect choices for the roles; Angelina Jolie in particular gives a irreplaceable sexy, funny performance while Pitt is perfectly at home with the ultra-cool persona of her husband. Whether the rumours about the pair’s offscreen romance are true or not, the chemistry between them in this movie is electric. Vince Vaughn gives entertaining support as an assassin who still lives with his mother.

There is little to be flawed at all in Mr & Mrs Smith. It is far from just being the action movie the trailers promised – an excellent script from Simon Kinberg and great performances stand out from the background explosions in what is essentially a romantic comedy.

Mr & Mrs Smith should keep everyone entertained throughout. Its ideas are often borrowed, and it’s hardly deep and meaningful, but it’s a fantastically fun film. Whether you’re looking for action, comedy or romance, you’ll not be disappointed.